Australia sends Abrams tanks to Ukraine after Washington's nod
Australia has begun loading Abrams tanks for Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. This suggests that Canberra may have received permission from Washington to re-export the American-made tanks to the front. The transfer of these tanks was first discussed in October 2024, and since then, Ukrainians have been awaiting the start of deliveries.
Australia has started loading Abrams tanks onto a ship for delivery to Ukraine. However, details about the shipment remain undisclosed by the government for security reasons. It is known that the shipment involves several dozen vehicles.
Abrams tanks for Ukraine
Australia plans to provide Ukraine with 49 Abrams M1A1 tanks. The USA previously supplied the same model to Ukraine, delivering 31 units in September 2023. These tanks do not feature depleted uranium armour, making them eligible for export to Ukraine. According to Defense Express, the commencement of deliveries indicates that Canberra secured Washington's approval to send the Abrams tanks, despite initial skepticism from American officials.
The decision to transfer the tanks was made in October 2024. Previously, Australia hesitated to send these machines to Ukraine, similar to the case with MRH90 Taipan helicopters, which were ultimately destroyed. Now, however, almost 50 Abrams tanks will bolster the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Delivery process
The transport of the tanks to Europe will take approximately 25 days if the ship arrives in Greece, or 35 days if it arrives in Poland, according to the source. After arrival, the tanks will need additional upgrades, including enhanced protection with anti-drone mesh installations. Only after these modifications can they be deployed to the front lines.
The M1A1 tank is renowned for its robust armour. Compared to earlier models, it features composite armour with depleted uranium inserts (absent in the units being transferred to Ukraine), significantly increasing its resistance to anti-tank fire. This makes the M1A1 Abrams one of the best-protected tanks of its time. In addition to a powerful cannon, the tank is equipped with an M240 machine gun with a calibre of 7.62 mm and a heavy M2 Browning machine gun with a calibre of 12.7 mm. Depending on the version and configuration, it may also have active defence systems and advanced observation systems.
The M1A1 Abrams tank runs on a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine, generating 1,500 horsepower. Despite weighing over 66 tonnes, the tank is highly mobile. It can achieve speeds of up to 67 km/h on paved roads and navigate difficult terrain efficiently. The tank's hydropneumatic suspension contributes to significant stability and driving comfort, which is crucial during combat operations.
